Spied: 2011 Mercedes-AMG SLS Gullwing

While the upcoming Mercedes-AMG SLS prototype has called the Nurburgring its second home for the majority of its development, these latest shots reveal far more of the upcoming gullwing replacement than ever before.

With far less bulky camouflage across the prototype, new details can be seen such as the lower air intakes and size of the SLR-like tail lamps.

The SLS Cabriolet will be powered by a finely-tuned version of AMG’s 6.2-litre V8 engine producing peak power of 420kW and 650Nm.

This is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which has been mounted at the rear to improve weight distribution, connected to the engine with an ultra-light carbon-fibre shaft.

As is the case with many convertibles, it is likely to be slightly slower off the mark than its hard-top sibling which accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 315km/h.

The two new models will go on sale in the first quarter of 2010 to coincide with their debut, for a limited run of only two years.